If NBA commissioner David Stern decided to allow women to play in the league, Lisa Leslie would undoubtedly hold her own among the best players in the world. The 6-5 center for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks has dominated women’s basketball since becoming a professional in 1997. Leslie has won two Olympic Gold Medals, two WNBA titles and became the first woman to dunk in a professional game. Off the court, Leslie continues to build an equally impressive resume.
“I recently wrote a book called ‘Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool Ya,’” Leslie says. “My husband Michael Lockwood has also written a best seller called ‘Women Have All The Power…Too Bad They Don’t Know It.’ We’re also working on a realty show that will be coming soon. My family and I will have an opportunity to showcase what its like to be positive role models in the community.”
After attending an event where NBA All-Star Amare Stoudemire announced his business venture with T.I.’s Grand Hustle, Leslie gave her thoughts on why hip-hop and basketball often intertwines. “I think it’s wonderful when those two worlds come together,” she says. “As athletes, we wish that we could do more entrepreneurially. When it comes to musicians, they are always hoping to do the things we do on the court.”
While Leslie continues to make strides on and off of the basketball court, she hopes to influence young women across the nation to strive for greatness. “It’s important to keep God first and write down your goals,” she says. “I often write down my short-term and long-term goals. I tape them on my mirror because when you see them, it becomes tangible. You have to talk about it and work hard. Young kids need to see that it doesn’t come easy.”-amir shaw
